Bigot Damages Menorah Outside Jewish Food Pantry in Hate-Fueled Attack
Authorities reported that a bigot committed a heinous act of vandalism outside a Jewish food pantry in Kew Gardens recently. The incident occurred earlier this month when the perpetrator targeted Tomchei Shabbos of Queens and forcibly removed a menorah, a symbol of the Hanukkah celebration, from the roof of a vehicle parked in front of the charity around 3:12 p.m. on Dec. 15.
The destructive act resulted in significant damage to the $250 menorah, with one of its lights broken as a result of the callous act of vandalism.
After committing the act, the suspect fled the scene, escaping on 129th Street towards Kew Gardens Road. Tomchei Shabbos of Queens is an all-volunteer charity that provides weekly food packages to families in need, making this act of vandalism particularly distressing for the community it serves.
This incident occurred just one day before another anti-Semitic attack in which Elias Rosner, a Jewish New Yorker, was stabbed by a man spewing hate-filled rhetoric. The attacker, identified as Armani Charles, allegedly made threatening statements targeting Jewish individuals during the assault.
Law enforcement officials have confirmed that the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force is actively investigating the vandalism of the menorah on Dec. 15, emphasizing the seriousness of the incident and the need to hold the perpetrator accountable for their actions.
Individuals with any information related to this incident are urged to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish speakers. Tips can also be submitted online through the Crime Stoppers website.
Additional reporting by Joe Marino
